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Save $100 on this super tiny digital camera that can bring pro-level optics to your iPhone

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Don't break the bank on a DSLR when you can get the DxO for iPhone instead.

Image: DXo

By Team commerceMashable Deals2018-06-11 19:46:38 UTC

Your Instagram game has gotten pretty strong. So strong, in fact, that the iPhone’s powerful, albeit simplified camera setup is holding you back. Normally, this situation would call for an upgrade to a pricey DSLR, but when you’re shooting for social media or just on-the-go, portability and connectivity are key.

Instead of a bulky camera with an arsenal of fragile lenses, what if you could opt for a compact, pro-quality camera created by one of the leading advocates and educators in the photography industry? Well, it exists, and it's called the DxO ONE. It doesn't hurt that it's on sale right now for $379.99 (from $499.99). But let's dive into the details first.

A picture-perfect pairing

The DxO ONE combines the depth and power of a pro-level DSLR with the convenience of a compact camera and then piggybacks off your iPhone’s knack for on-the-spot sharing. The two devices connect via the iPhone’s Lightning port, allowing fast transfer and editing so you’ll never again waste time-saving files to a memory card and copying them to a computer manually. The beautifully-designed and easy-to-use DxO ONE app makes the entire process seamless. Just plug the ONE into your phone and the app will automatically launch, turning your phone’s screen into a high-def viewfinder. It’s built for plug-and-play functionality, so you can start snapping in Auto mode immediately, or dive into the app’s intuitive spread of features and settings to get those perfect shots.

Image: Dxo

À la mode

Scene modes are a quick and easy way to adjust settings if you know you’ll be shooting in a certain scenario or location. Use the sport mode to capture fast-moving action, Portrait mode to take some artsy selfies, Outdoor mode to record your open-air travels, and Night mode when you’re making memories after dark. If you want to get even deeper into the weeds, explore the Advanced exposure modes, where the familiar PASM settings — Program, Aperture Priority, Speed Priority, and Manual — are all available. You’ll also have easy access to settings like flash control, ISO, aperture size, shutter speed, and shutter timer. You can even use the ONE and its app to achieve creative effects like artistic blur and time-lapse.

Edit in RAW from your phone

Most professional photographers shoot in RAW file formats because of the greater flexibility it provides—namely the ability to make more nuanced edits without irreparably altering the original image. So naturally, the DxO ONE allows users to toggle between DNG RAW and JPEG shooting. But there’s more. With the addition of native RAW editing in iOS 10, photogs can now use the DxO app to make in-depth edits to their RAW photos right on their iPhones — no need to switch over to a desktop computer. The ONE also features a proprietary SuperRaw format, which combines the data from four rapid-fire RAW shots and melds them into one big file, allowing for smoother images when light is low.

A+ hardware

Measuring about 2 inches x 2.5 inches and weighing less than four ounces, the ONE is incredibly portable. Its tiny footprint makes it an easy addition to a camping pack, but it also fits comfortably into your pocket for spontaneous city shooting, too. Despite its diminutive scale, however, it’s quite tough, capable of withstanding a drop from up to five feet. Its battery stores enough power to fire off up to 200 images in one charge. When you need to replenish it, just plug the included USB cable into a port or a compatible outlet.

Long-distance relationship

Its Lightning connector is hidden from view when not in use but pops up with the flick of a switch. When coupled with your phone, its swiveling connection point lets you adjust the tilt of your phone to capture some high or low angles, and even functions as a kickstand if you want to put the ONE and your phone down on a flat surface. If you want to give the pair some time apart, the WiFi Remote Control feature allows you to separate the ONE and trigger the shutter from your phone. The viewfinder feed and the resulting image or video will be beamed to your phone over WiFi. It’s great for capturing group shots, adventurous angles, and other scenarios where you can’t trigger the photo yourself. If you don’t have internet access, don’t worry. The ONE can create its own WiFi network for easy remote shooting, anywhere — even outdoors.

Optimal optics

Under the hood, the DxO is equipped with everything you’d expect from a company that has been reviewing sensor specs for nearly 20 years, but also some things you might not expect. Its 1-inch, backside-illuminated sensor is more than twice as large as that of the iPhone, and measures up to the sensors in photog fave DSLRs from the likes of Sony and Nikon. It's capable of capturing 20.2-megapixel images, compared to the iPhone X’s 12MP. It's also outfitted with a 32mm fixed focal lens with a f/1.8 maximum aperture. This allows crystal clear shots at a distance of 20cm, so feel free to get up close and personal with your subjects.

Photo finish

Don’t miss your chance to get a pro-quality, highly portable digital camera at a rarely seen price. The DxO ONE usually sells for 499.99, but today a 24% discount brings it down to just $379.99. Plus, Mashable readers can take an additional 10% off when you use the coupon code CAMERA10 at checkout.

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